Clos du Roy

Clos du Roy 

I finally climbed to the top!  It was built as a fortress in 1224 then in 

the 1800 it was used as city hall

The entrance

 

beautiful door

 

the entrance hall

 

the dreaded spiral staircase

where arrows were shot through

amazing views

worth the climb

 fantastic view of Saint Emilion

 

 

even an old door looks like art

 

view of the church

Carnival

 It was the annual carnival at the school, this years theme was Africa

 

 

 Tatiana with the zebra

 at the Mayor's for some candy

 this little girl didnt want to be African she wanted to be a fairy

 Tatiana with Antoine who was dressed as an African soccer player

 this man told a story to all the kids

 having some fun

walking around the village

Tati wins!

 Tati wins a gold medal in her swim competition

 

 

Proud moment

Isabelles' dinner party

 Our friend Isabelle had a dinner party for 30 people. It was all

our church friends. I think I have maximum plates and silverware for 12 people.

I wouldnt even know what to cook!

We started with an aperitif in the other room, then we picked a number. Your

number told you where you sat.

French etiquette is very different from American etiquette. Here you sit

boy, girl, boy girl. I was sitting between two men. The reason is so they take care of 

you all night like proper gentlemen. They pour your water, your wine, pass the plates to you.

We were here till midnight and not one person got up to use the bathroom but me.

Another etiquette, you dont borrow the bathrooms, unless you are from America :))

 Beautiful table setting

 they opened a double magnum bottle of Chateau Canon which Isabelle and her husband use to own.
It is one of the best wineries in Saint Emilion

 my glass :)

 everyone chit chatting

 there is a secret spot where you can keep plates warm

 the men in the kitchen finishing off the bottle

 

 

a bottle from 1975

Thank you Isabelle for a wonderful dinner party

Abbe's Birthday

It was Abbe Emeric's birthday, the church community got together

and bought him another black outfit. It was a potluck dinner. Every one 

brought a bottle of wine.

everyone arriving

 lots of yummy local food

the birthday boy

 Abbe had several cakes

 the kids brought out his cakes and sang to him

 opening his present

having a bit of fun

 another black outfit, I was shocked at how much this cost, about 800 euros
($950) how do they expect a priest to pay for that. Which is why we all
chipped in and bought it for him.

reading his cards

Happy Birthday Abbe!